A GENEROUS Mount Gambier builder will match donations to the city’s Foodbank SA service “can for can” as the vital service is inundated in the lead up to Christmas.
Vince Versace – who was a founding supporter of the Mount Gambier Foodbank branch in 1993 – is hopeful over 1000 cans will be donated before the can drive’s end date of December 14.
With Foodbank SA providing 152,000kg of food across the South East last financial year – equating to 334,000 meals – Mr Versace called on the community to support the organisation.
“Last year our can drive slogan was 1000kg for 1000 people and we managed 780kg – we are hoping to crack the 1000kg this year,” Mr Versace said.
“One thing that does strike a chord for me (with Foodbank) is the donations stay local and that over 5000 people directly or indirectly benefit from its services.
“There are 2000 meals a week at schools – that is pretty huge.
“People are struggling to pay for the basics – like their power bill or water – so putting food on the table sometimes suffers.
“Because these people are referred to Foodbank through the right channels, we know these donations are going to go to the right people at the right time.”
Mr Versace urged South East residents to support a planned public collection drive on Saturday outside Coles Mount Gambier, praising the community’s generosity from past events.
Collection bins have also been placed at Jetts Fitness, Salts of the Earth and ABC Radio.
Residents are encouraged to donate food with a long shelf life, including canned meals and foods, condiments, long-life milk, biscuits and sweet foods for a Christmas treat.
